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Jobbledygook

How often have you read a job advertisement and wondered ‘what do they want, exactly?’

Jobs-market jargon may even have turned you away from a potential appointment. The Daily Telegraph’s Sophie Jamieson has provided a guide, and a quiz, to help you understand some of the terminology.

As part of the article, Sophie asked us for our thoughts on some of the confusing management speak recruiters seem to love. Our response was predictable.

We think that a lot of job advertisements promote the use of jargon. We worry that a lot of candidates will feel expected to use the jargon in the job description if they get the position. And we’re also not sure everyone applying for the job will even know what they’re applying for.

On top of all that, how much of the job description is accurate? Is a very simple position being dressed up? Is the language of the advertisement being honest about the realities of the job? It’s often hard to tell.

For example, what does ‘A chance to upskill your communication abilities’ mean? Sophie suggests: “You’ll learn to talk to other human beings.” That seems a reasonable interpretation. Plenty of job advertisements use this kind of euphemistic approach, which turns nothing statements into what may look like substance.

Or they may soften a harsh reality. ‘Flexible approach to working hours’ could well mean “The boss is a slave driver.”

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